Walk into the Blue Ash location of Catch a Fire Pizza and the first thing that hits you isn’t just the smell of burning wood; it’s the vibe. It is busy. It's loud in that good, neighborhood-hangout sort of way, and the menu is massive. Honestly, if you’re just expecting a standard pepperoni slice, you’re missing the point of why this place became a Cincinnati staple.
They started in a food truck at MadTree Brewing, and that DNA—the "brewpizza" culture—is baked into the Catch a Fire Pizza Blue Ash menu. It’s not just a list of toppings. It is a wood-fired philosophy that leans heavily on global flavors. You see things like curry, tequila lime, and goat cheese appearing in places they normally wouldn't. It works.
The Wood-Fired Foundation
The oven is the heart of the operation. At 700 degrees, those pizzas cook in minutes. What most people don't realize about the Blue Ash spot is that the dough is a specific three-day cold-fermented recipe. That’s why you get those charred "leopard spots" on the crust. It’s chewy but light. If you’re a crust person, you know that’s the gold standard.
The Heavy Hitters You Can't Ignore
The One Love is the baseline. It’s their version of a margherita, but they use a fresh basil oil and San Marzano tomatoes that actually taste like tomatoes, not tin cans. But let’s be real. You aren't going to a specialized wood-fired joint just for cheese pizza.
You’re probably there for the Buffalo Soldier. This isn't your standard dive bar buffalo chicken pizza. They use a buffalo cream sauce base, celery, carrots, and a drizzle of gorgonzola. It sounds like a lot. It is. But the crunch of the fresh veggies after they come out of that scorching heat provides a texture most pizzas lack.
Then there is the Zion. This is the sleeper hit on the Catch a Fire Pizza Blue Ash menu. It’s got corn, black beans, jalapeño, and a chipotle crema. It’s basically a Southwest salad on a crust, and it’s surprisingly refreshing. People sleep on the "white" pizzas here, but the Goat’s Cheese & Prosciutto is arguably the best thing they make. The sweetness of the fig jam against the saltiness of the ham? It’s a classic pairing for a reason.
More Than Just Circles of Dough
It’s tempting to just scan the pizza section and stop. Don’t do that.
The appetizers, or "Small Plates" as they call them, are where the kitchen actually flexes. The Wood-Fired Wings are a non-negotiable. They aren't breaded or deep-fried. They’re roasted in that high-heat oven, which means the fat renders out and the skin gets incredibly crispy while the meat stays juicy. Get the dry rub. It’s smoky and doesn't get soggy.
We have to talk about the salads too. Usually, pizza place salads are a sad pile of iceberg lettuce. Not here. The Catch a Fire Salad with the peppadew peppers and the sunflower seeds is actually something you’d eat as a main meal. It's balanced.
Dietary Restrictions Aren't an Afterthought
One thing Catch a Fire gets right—and this is coming from someone who has seen a lot of "gluten-friendly" disasters—is their inclusivity. They offer a gluten-free crust that doesn't taste like a piece of cardboard. They also have vegan cheese and plant-based sausage.
In many restaurants, the vegan option feels like a "we had to do this" addition. Here, the Reggae Beats pizza is designed to be vegan from the jump. It uses a vegan pesto and lots of roasted veggies. It’s intentional. It’s not just a regular pizza with the good stuff taken off.
The Blue Ash Atmosphere vs. Other Locations
The Blue Ash site on Kenwood Road is different from the original brewery setups. It’s a full-service restaurant. You’ve got a massive bar, an outdoor patio that kills it in the summer, and a dedicated takeout area.
If you are going for dinner on a Friday, be ready. It’s a suburban hub. Families, date nights, and people grabbing a beer after work at one of the nearby office parks all converge here. It’s loud, but the service is usually fast because those ovens are so efficient.
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Why the Pricing is What It Is
You’ll notice the prices are a bit higher than your local delivery chain. You're looking at $16 to $22 for a 12-inch pizza. Why? Because they aren't using commodity cheese. They source locally when they can, and the labor involved in a three-day dough process isn't cheap. You’re paying for the technique and the wood-fired fuel. When you see the guy tending the fire with a long peel, you realize you aren't just paying for food; you're paying for a craft.
Navigating the Drink List
You can't talk about the Catch a Fire Pizza Blue Ash menu without mentioning the beer. Since they started in a brewery, their tap list is curated perfectly for high-acid, salty foods. They usually have a solid rotation of local Cincinnati staples—think Rhinegeist or MadTree—alongside some heavier stouts that pair surprisingly well with the smoky charred crust.
If you aren't a beer person, the cocktails are punchy. They do a wood-fired pineapple margarita that uses fruit charred in the oven. That’s the kind of detail that makes the menu cohesive. They use the oven for everything.
What Most People Get Wrong
The biggest mistake? Ordering too much. These pizzas are 12 inches, which sounds small, but the toppings are dense. One pizza and a shared appetizer is usually plenty for two people.
Another mistake? Skipping the dessert. The Wood-Fired Cookie is baked in a cast-iron skillet. It’s gooey in the middle and crispy on the edges. If you have kids with you, just buy it immediately. It will buy you twenty minutes of silence.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
- Check the Specials: They often run "Pie of the Month" or seasonal rotations that aren't on the printed menu. Ask your server what’s new.
- The Lunch Deal: If you’re in Blue Ash during the week, they have a lunch special that is significantly cheaper than the dinner service. It’s the best way to try the menu without dropping $30.
- Order Ahead for Pickup: Their online ordering system is actually decent. If the dining room is packed, grab your pies and head over to Summit Park down the street for a picnic.
- Customize Your Heat: They have a house-made hot oil. If you like spice but don't want the heaviness of buffalo sauce, ask for a side of the chili oil to dip your crust in.
- Join the Rewards: They have a loyalty program. If you live in the 45242 zip code, you’re going to end up there enough that the free appetizers actually add up.
The Catch a Fire Pizza Blue Ash menu is a rare example of a "specialty" place that actually manages to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you're a vegan, a carnivore, or just someone who really likes charred dough, there is a specific corner of this menu designed for you. Go for the smoke, stay for the crust.